CloudBlocks is a visual cloud learning tool for beginners — start from guided templates, learn common architecture patterns, and export Terraform starter code. Everything runs in your browser. No cloud account or backend required.
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:material-school:{ .lg .middle } Learn Cloud Architecture
Follow guided scenarios to learn cloud infrastructure patterns step by step — from your first VNet to a full three-tier web app.
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:material-rocket-launch:{ .lg .middle } Quick Start
Install locally and launch the builder in under 2 minutes.
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:material-shield-check:{ .lg .middle } Validation
Real-time constraint checking ensures your architecture follows cloud best practices.
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:material-lightbulb:{ .lg .middle } Core Concepts
Understand blocks, connections, templates, and the 8 resource categories.
| Step | What You Do | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open the builder (live demo or local) | Quick Start |
| 2 | Load a guided template and follow the steps | First Architecture |
| 3 | Customize — add blocks, connect, validate | Editor Basics |
| 4 | Export Terraform starter code to keep learning | Code Generation |
CloudBlocks uses a block-based composition model where everything snaps together:
- Container blocks — Logical boundaries (VPC, resource group, subnet). Container blocks hold other blocks.
- Resource blocks — Cloud resources (VM, database, storage, function). Resource blocks sit inside container blocks.
- Connections — Typed links between blocks (http, data, event).
- Templates — Pre-built architecture patterns you can load, learn from, and customize.
New to cloud architecture? Start with First Architecture from a Template — it walks you through a real-world pattern step by step.
| Pattern | Description | Template |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Tier Web App | Frontend + API + database with networking | Built-in |
| Serverless API | Functions + API gateway + storage | Built-in |
| Event-Driven Pipeline | Queues + event hubs + processing | Built-in |
| Custom Architecture | Start from scratch — any cloud pattern | Blank canvas |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Templates | 6 built-in architecture patterns with step-by-step learning scenarios |
| Learning Mode | Interactive guided scenarios to learn cloud architecture patterns (V1 Core) |
| Visual Builder | Drag-and-drop editor with grid snapping and auto-layout |
| Validation Engine | Real-time rule checking for placement, connections, and constraints |
| 8 Resource Categories | Network, Delivery, Compute, Data, Messaging, Security, Identity, Operations |
| Terraform Starter Export | Export your design to Terraform starter code for Azure, AWS, or GCP |
| Multi-Cloud Support | Azure-first templates with Terraform starter code for Azure, AWS, and GCP (details) |
| Dual Theme System | Workshop (light) and Blueprint (dark) themes |
| Bicep & Pulumi | Additional IaC export formats (Experimental, Azure only) |
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:material-book-open-variant:{ .lg .middle } Templates
Browse all 6 built-in architecture patterns and learn how to customize them.
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:material-pencil-ruler:{ .lg .middle } Blank Canvas Mode
Build a custom architecture from scratch without a template. Recommended after completing guided scenarios.
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:material-file-document:{ .lg .middle } Architecture Model
The domain model behind CloudBlocks — block types, categories, and connection semantics.
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:material-code-braces:{ .lg .middle } Terraform Starter Export
Export your design to Terraform starter code for Azure, AWS, or GCP. Bicep and Pulumi are also available (Experimental, Azure only).
Interested in contributing to CloudBlocks? See the Contributing Guide for development setup, coding standards, and the PR process.